Background: Chemsex has become a public health issue due to its consequences on physical,
psychological, sexual, and social health. These stem not only from high-risk sexual activities, but
also from substance use. The aim of this study has been to analyse the profile of chemsex users
undergoing treatment for addiction, including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as
well as information about substance use and potentially traumatic events. Methods: A cross-sectional,
retrospective, descriptive analysis was conducted in a sample of 529 people undergoing
treatment between 1st January 2021 and 30th June 2022 in the Centres for Addiction Treatment
(CAD) of Madrid City Council. Results: Sociodemographic profile: Cis Men (99,1%), 39,1 years
(mean), Spanish (60,9%), higher education (53,9%), employed (62,4%). Clinical profile: HIV +
(59,8%), HCV (22,2%), STIs (75,5%), mental health diagnose (56%), PrEP (45,5%). Violence: history
of violence (37,2%): hate violence (20,6%), intra-family violence (13,4%), intimate partner
violence (10,6%), sexual violence (10,4%); sex work (10,6%). Substance use: polydrug use (65%),
mephedrone (76,9%), GHB (41,8%), amphetamines and its derivatives (29,3%); intravenous use
(49,7%), abscesses (18,1%), solitary drug use (35,1%), history of overdose (17,5%). Conclusion:
The results obtained suggest that information about the profile and situation of chemsex users
undergoing addiction treatment be systematically collected, and specific addiction-oriented interventions
be designed in order to better adapt the treatment to their needs.
Autores
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Cristina Fernández-García - Subdirección General de Adicciones, Madrid Salud, Ayuntamiento de Madrid. Spain
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Sonsoles Gutiérrez-Cáceres - Subdirección General de Adicciones, Madrid Salud, Ayuntamiento de Madrid. Spain
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Paloma Varas Soler - Subdirección General de Adicciones, Madrid Salud, Ayuntamiento de Madrid. Spain
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Carmen Mosteiro Ramírez - Subdirección General de Adicciones, Madrid Salud, Ayuntamiento de Madrid. Spain
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Juan Chicharro Romero - Subdirección General de Adicciones, Madrid Salud, Ayuntamiento de Madrid. Spain
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Ana Cáceres Santos - Subdirección General de Adicciones, Madrid Salud, Ayuntamiento de Madrid. Spain
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Ruth Olmos Espinosa - Subdirección General de Adicciones, Madrid Salud, Ayuntamiento de Madrid. Spain
Palabras clave:
Chemsex; Addiction; STIs; HIV; Violence.